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Does your man have “Peter Pan” syndrome?

20 July, 2011 06:45:00 Staff contributor

The urge to never grow up may be strong for most of us, but we know and understand the importance of responsibility and the joys of being an adult.

Still, there are many people who find it difficult to achieve adulthood. Men, especially, tend to have this problem, which is commonly referred to as 'Peter Pan' Syndrome.

Marriage is an equal partnership

Both parties should share responsibility, but this is not always the case. If your man suffers from 'Peter Pan' Syndrome, you may find he isn’t pulling his weight.

The trouble is, you never really know what someone else is thinking. So how can you tell if he is, in fact, the boy who won’t grow up? Read on to find out.

Does he constantly go out with the boys and come in at all hours of the night?

If so, you may have a bit of a 'Peter Pan' on your hands. While there’s nothing wrong with a few 'boys' nights' every now and then, you don’t want him making it a regular habit.

After all, you deserve some time with him too.

If he is afraid to abandon his bachelor pad, you may have some coercing to do

His reluctance to give up his single status may spell out a problem.

It may take some work on your part to show him just how much fun a relationship can be, especially when the two of you are truly committed. You might also give him a third room all his own. That way he can still have his 'man cave' and you get to live in the same dwelling.

If he is afraid of getting married because he will have to spend his money on a house and kids, he may have 'Peter Pan' Syndrome

This is a natural fear, but can be overcome. Talk to him about the perks of good spending habits, but make sure there is money left over for him to have a little fun. This way you won’t be taking it all away from him and he can enjoy both.

If marriage to him means that he will never have sex with another woman again, he is definitely showing signs of 'Peter Pan' Syndrome

Ask him to recall all the 'first time' sex he has had in the past. How good was it? Chances are, not very good.

Sex is always better with someone with whom you feel comfortable and this type of relationship will develop over time. While this is something many men say, they often find they can’t imagine sex with another woman once they have been in the marriage for a while.

'Peter Pan' Syndrome doesn’t have to break up a relationship

If you can be understanding and help him deal with his insecurities, you may find he will still be around for many years to come.

Remember, a relationship is a two-way street, so he must be there for you too. This is what promotes a happy, healthy relationship.